GongYi Home of Hope

As soon as Children’s Day was over, everyone sort of hit the ground running.

The children already knew some of the projects we have slated for this summer and were actually looking forward to the work as this is when they can earn some extra spending money.

We generally define which type of work comes with living at the Home of Hope and which type of work is considered extra or beyond the normal routine of day to day upkeep. Usually we select two to three projects for the summer which we make available to the older children to do as if they were outside working for someone else… this means they get paid for the work.

Ye Ye generally gives them a short lesson on work ethics based on “a workman is worth his hire” and they really do understand it.

This year we have three major projects that demand attention in a major way.

One is a complete overhaul of the old bridge which crosses our pond. The bridge was build about seven or eight years with some of the first arrivals to the Home of Hope. Treated lumber is not available to us here. The lumber we use doesn’t last nearly as long as it should… and requires replacing fairly often if one compares it to the life span of Wolmanized® Outdoor® Treated Wood. To defray spending the money, we have put off replacing the wood until the bridge is “almost” dangerous. We just couldn’t wait any longer.

The work involves removing all the wood from the bridge. Once the wood is removed, the steel is “wire brushed” to remove all rust and then painted with oil base paint. No such thing as “Rust-Oleum” here in China.. Sure wish there was!

While we wait for the oil based paint to dry (which takes quite awhile) we will pre-paint the wood components. Once the super structure is ready and the oil based paint is all dry, we will install the wood walkway and rails.

The several costs involved for the bridge work is $750.00.

If you would like to participate financially in this project your help is truly needed and will be greatly appreciated. You can make a donation by clicking on the “Donate Now” button at the top left.

Thank You and Blessings!